March 12th, 2010 by DaveAdmin
The upcoming “lifestyle truck” version of the slow-selling Dodge Dakota will be based on the next generation Chrysler minivans, according to a source. The same engineers are being hired to work on both projects, and the vehicles are both expected to be built at the flexible Windsor manufacturing plant, much as the minivans were built alongside the Chrysler Pacifica crossover. The Dakota would likely have features from the Rampage concept shown in 2006.
The Dodge Dakota was launched in the 1980s, filling the space between the small Ram 50 (from Mitsubishi) and the full-sized Ram pickups. It initially had a four-cylinder engine and a 3.9 liter V6 created for the Dakota’s relatively small engine bay. The Dakota sold fairly slowly compared with the Chevrolet and Ford small pickups; it grew with each new generation, reaching a peak of critical acclaim in the mid-1990s. The current generation has been critiqued for being too close in size and cost to the full sized Ram 1500.
If the Dakota were to be based on the minivan platform, it would likely be similar in size to the Honda Ridgeline, and considerably larger than the Dodge Rampage, Ford Ranchero, and the iconic Chevrolet El Camino. It could be sold as a Dodge rather than as a Ram.
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March 12th, 2010 by DaveAdmin
KGP caught this wicked one-off Dodge Ram as it left Chrysler’s test track, looking as if it was out searching for a Ford Raptor to slap. Emblazoned with a “Powerwagon” badge on its tail-end, this Ram was clearly immensely powerful and made hair-raising sounds to go with its concept truck looks. The bed and cab configuration is like nothing in the current Ram lineup.
The prototype was out running with a Jeep JT pickup matching the 2007 concept vehicle, right down to its band-aid brown color. This Ram clearly has several cues from the current-generation Ram, telling us it’s something much more current–or “future.”
See our full set of photos and more information.
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March 9th, 2010 by DaveAdmin
The reliable oh2o has posted a preliminary schedule of production dates for the upcoming year. New vehicle production depends on many factors, including supplier readiness, regulatory and durability testing, regulatory approvals, and engineering factors, so the dates may change.
The 2010 Dodge Viper is due to start on March 29, for the final 500 cars before a projected new model, which may appear after a delay.
The 2011 Ram Chassis Cabs, eagerly awaited by many commercial buyers, are due to start production on April 5. These trucks will build on the advantages of the first generation, and should mainly be compatible with the first generation’s add-ons.
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will launch Chrysler’s new era with production starting on May 10, 2010. Availability at dealerships will be constrained for some time afterwards, and the new Jeep will probably not start affecting sales figures until June or July. The Grand Cherokee will be the first vehicle to use the new Pentastar V6; its Dodge stablemate, currently projected to be called the Dodge Magnum but possibly appearing as the Dodge Durango or under yet another name, is due for production much later, on November 8. This will give the factory time to fill the pipeline with Jeeps, and will also allow for any problems to be detected and fixed before the Dodge starts up. The Dodge CUV might use the direct-injected version of the V6, which was rejected for the Jeep because of its higher noise level.
The 2011 Ram 1500 and 2500 start on July 5 in one plant, and on July 26 in the other. Changes are likely to be minor other than the possible use of the Pentastar V6 as the base engine.
July 26 is to be a significant date for Chrysler production, with the 2011 Caliber, Dakota, Liberty, and Nitro all starting production on that day. Changes to the four are likely to be minor as all are to be replaced.
The 2011 Jeep Wrangler is due to be produced starting August 16, the date having moved forward. There are conflicting reports on whether the Pentastar V6 will appear in the 2011 or 2012 model, with the latest information saying we will need to wait until 2012. However, the 2011 Wrangler, Jeep’s flagship, will have a greatly improved interior, the company said.
The 2011 Jeep Patriot starts production October 4, while the Compass waits until December 13. We have no reason why these models are delayed, especially with the Caliber starting on July 26, and we still do not know whether the retuned World Engines will be ready for them – which would explain the delay. Compass, Caliber, and Patriot are closely related under the skin and are built at the same plant, making the different start dates somewhat puzzling; all were recently revised and are due to be replaced. Critics have generally applauded the changes to the three, and the Patriot has been praised.
The Dodge Journey and Ram Hybrid are both due to start production on November 16. The Ram Hybrid has been delayed by over a year, with no reason given, though the lack of high gasoline prices would probably have diminished its sales and impact. The Journey has been very popular in Canada, and has sold moderately well in the United States. The Journey is to be restyled inside and out — complete interior redesign, mild exterior refresh, new engine — though whether that is for 2011 or 2012 we do not know. Given the lateness of the changeover we suspect it will be for 2011.
The new Dodge Avenger and the replacement for the Chrysler Sebring are due on November 18. Both are getting restyled interiors and exteriors, but the changes are more than skin deep, with suspension retuning, a new V6 that will boost gas mileage and dramatically increase acceleration, a projected six speed automatic for the V6, and, if it is ready on time, a retuned and more pleasant version of the four-cylinder engine. The two will, we are told, look and feel like completely different cars. With a November 18 production date, the new cars should be at dealerships in December and January.
The bread-and-butter minivans are due to start production on November 22, a late time. They too are to get the new Pentastar V6, which will replace the current spread of 3.3, 3.8, and 4.0 engines — all of which are less powerful than the Pentastar. Six speed automatics are said to be standard across the board in the new 2011 minivans. Numerous changes to the interior are being made in response to customer input (read: complaints).
The new Charger, Challenger, and 300 are all due on November 30. The Challenger reportedly had some fairly serious alterations, which presumably includes the Pentastar V6 to be shared by all three, and may include the 6.4 liter Hemi with cylinder deactivation which might let owners avoid the gas guzzler tax on SRT cars (though rumor has that engine on late availability). The Challenger’s changes may also be related to allowing more flexible production alongside its stablemates and the Alfa Romeo 159 and possibly the Chrysler 200C. All can be expected to have much better-looking interiors.
Finally, the 2012 Fiat 500 is to start production in Toluca, Mexico, on December 13, 2010. It will replace the Chrysler PT Cruiser — one retro car pushing another aside.
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February 11th, 2010 by Bill Cawthon
Ralph Gilles, CEO for the Dodge brand and Chrysler Groups’s chief stylist, wants the automaker to revitalize its creativity by taking a few pages from the Apple Computer playbook.
Gilles, who was filling in for Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne at the Economic Club of Chicago’s annual auto show luncheon, identified Steve Jobs, iconic Apple CEO, as his hero.
Chrysler must get away from “me-too” vehicles and avoid relying on one-hit wonders, according to GIlles who also said the company needs to end product overlap so that each of Chrysler’s four brands is distinct.
Praising Marchionne, Gilles told the audience Chrysler has been given the tools and inspiration to return to its former stature as one of the world’s premier automakers. As he spoke, he gave the audience glimpses of future Chrysler products, including the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and the next-generation Chrysler 300 which will make its debut in December of this year.
Speaking of the 300, Gillies said, “Hopefully, when you see that car, grown men and women will have tears running from their eyes. Hopefully, when you see that, you will say, ‘Go, America.’ ”
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February 11th, 2010 by DaveAdmin
Ralph Gilles spoke today at the Chicago Auto Show. Correspondent Jim Choate was present for Allpar. Gilles replaced Sergio Marchionne at the last moment, when Marchionne had to fly to Russia. Speaking of Marchionne, Gilles said, “I’ve never felt better about where Chrysler is.”
In addition to showing brief teaser images of upcoming work (Grand Cherokee, Dodge version of the Grand Cherokee, 300, and Charger), Gilles, head of Dodge and Chrysler’s most well-known current stylist, said that engineers were still working on plans for a next generation Viper. He pointed out that while the low-volume car is not a priority, it has a halo effect, and tends to represent Dodge in video games.
The primary effort is around the midsized segment, where Chrysler used to dominate with its Valiant, Dart, and Duster. Numerous mid-20s designers have been hired to help understand their segment of the market. Chrysler is preparing new cars in that segment based on a set of dimensions developed over the course of years by Fiat.
As announced earlier, Chrysler is also prepping Toluca to build the Fiat 500 on the same line as the Dodge Journey; it will replace the PT Cruiser there. Gilles said it would be on sale within calendar year 2010, as a 2011 model (the first cars are expected to be imported).
According to Gilles, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is to be sold within the next three months.
Like Marchionne, Gilles spoke to the importance of marketing to make cars distinct from competitors. He discussed branding as key, noting the way Viper supports Dodge’s image.
For more, read Jim Choate’s report.
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February 8th, 2010 by Bill Cawthon
The plant that has been cranking out PT Cruisers for the past decade will soon be producing another iconic automobile.
Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced the company will spend $500 million to retool the plant for production of the Fiat 500 beginning in late December of this year.
Unlike other most other vehicles that will spring from the merger of the Chrysler and Fiat lines, the 500 will wear a Fiat badge in the U.S. as part of the brand’s return to the North American market. It will be sold and serviced through Chrysler dealerships.
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